Sunderland sign Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp

On 24 August 2026 Sunderland signed midfielder Jules Ahoka from Belgian side Royal Antwerp for 10m euros (£8.6m). The 20-year-old DR Congo youth international has signed a long-term contract with the club.

Ahoka becomes the Black Cats' third summer signing, following the arrival of Belgian left-back Thomas Meunier and French right-back Dayann Methalie. Meunier and Methalie have both joined during the same transfer window. Sunderland were beaten 2-1 by Ipswich in their Premier League opener on Saturday.

"I am very happy and proud to join Sunderland," said Ahoka, who featured in both of Antwerp's league games this season. "It is a big club with great ambitions, and I am excited to be here. "I want to work hard, learn from my team-mates and the staff, and continue developing as a player. I will give everything for the club and I cannot wait to get started."

"Jules is a player we have been following closely and he has shown some very encouraging qualities for his age," said Sunderland director of football Florent Ghisolfi. "He has huge potential and we believe Sunderland is the right environment for him to continue his development."

Ahoka featured in both of Antwerp's league games this season, according to the club's announcement. The transfer was confirmed by Sunderland as part of their summer recruitment drive.

Their next match is against Fulham on Sunday (14:00 BST). Follow Sunderland on BBC Sounds for pre-match, post-match and topical Black Cats content.